Austin FC
Austin FC is an American professional men's soccer club based in Austin, Texas. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Western Conference. Founded in 2018, the club began play in the 2021 season. Their home stadium is Q2 Stadium in north Austin. They are the first major professional sports league team to play in Texas' capital, which prior to 2021 was the largest city in the United States without such a team.[2]
| Full name | Austin Football Club |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Verde and Black Los Verdes The Oaks El Tree |
| Founded | October 12, 2018[1] |
| Stadium | Q2 Stadium Austin, Texas |
| Capacity | 20,738 |
| Owner | Two Oak Ventures |
| Chairman | Anthony Precourt |
| Head coach | Josh Wolff |
| League | Major League Soccer |
| 2023 | Western Conference: 12th Overall: 25th Playoffs: Did not qualify |
| Website | Club website |
| Current season | |
History edit
Austin FC is the first top-division major professional sports team in the Austin area, a market that had been previously overlooked by the major professional sports leagues due in part to the state capital's traditional support for the Texas Longhorns collegiate teams.[citation needed] The city's previous experience with professional soccer includes the Austin Aztex, founded in 2008,[3] but later relocated to Orlando in October 2010[4] and eventually became MLS side Orlando City; the 2011 reincarnation of the Austin Aztex,[5] which went on indefinite hiatus following the 2015 Memorial Day floods washing out their venue at House Park;[6] and Austin Bold, which played in the second-division USL Championship at Circuit of the Americas from 2019 to 2021.[7][8]
In October 2017, Columbus Crew operator Precourt Sports Ventures announced their intention to move the group's MLS franchise rights to Austin for the 2019 MLS season.[9]
After several sessions, the Austin City Council, by a 7–4 vote during a special session on August 15, 2018, granted the City Manager the authority to negotiate and execute a lease for a stadium with Precourt Sports Ventures.[10]
On August 22, 2018, the group unveiled the name and badge for the club at the North Door on Austin's east side.[11][12] The crest was designed by local Austin brand studio The Butler Bros, who explained the badge as including the signature color "Bright Verde" to "project the vibrancy and creative energy of Austin", intertwined oaks that "stand for the bond between Club and City", and the four roots uniting all compass directions of Austin, North, East, South, and West.[13][14]
In October 2018, an Ohio-based group which includes Jimmy and Dee Haslam, owners of the National Football League's Cleveland Browns, and Columbus-based physician and businessman Pete Edwards, announced their intentions to acquire Columbus Crew to keep the team from moving. MLS officials stated that if the transfer of the Crew's operating rights were successful, Austin FC would be an expansion team operated by Precourt to begin play by 2021.[15][16]
On December 19, 2018, Precourt Sports Ventures and the City of Austin reached a financing agreement for a new soccer-specific stadium to be constructed at McKalla Place, which was projected to open by early 2021.[17] Nine days after finalizing the stadium deal, Precourt Sports Ventures reached an agreement in principle to transfer the operating rights of the Columbus Crew to the Haslam and Edwards families in January 2019.[18]
On January 15, 2019, Austin FC was officially announced as an MLS club with a 2021 start date.[19][20][21] In July 2019, the ownership group was renamed to Two Oak Ventures and later expanded to include local celebrities and businesspeople.[22][23]
First seasons edit
Austin FC hired Josh Wolff as their first head coach in July 2019 and hired Claudio Reyna as the club's Sporting Director in November of the same year. The two were teammates for the United States from 1999-2006.[24]
In July 2020, Austin signed their first ever player, Rodney Redes.
Before the start of their inaugural season, Alexander Ring was named the first club captain.[25]
Austin FC played their first MLS match against LAFC at Banc of California Stadium on April 17, 2021, losing 0–2. The club secured its first victory the following week against the Colorado Rapids, winning 3–1. Diego Fagúndez scored the club's first goal and the following two were scored by the club's first Designated Player, Cecilio Dominguez.[26] Their home opener was held on June 19, 2021, against the San Jose Earthquakes, a match which ended in a scoreless draw.[27] The team secured its first ever home victory on July 1, 2021, defeating the Portland Timbers 4–1. Jon Gallagher scored the team's first home goal and the first MLS goal at Q2 Stadium.[28]
Austin FC signed Sebastián Driussi, on July 29, 2021, from Zenit Saint Petersburg for a $7 million transfer fee.[29] He became the first player to score 10, 20, and 30 career goals for the club at various points in 2022 and was named the club's first All-Star that season. Driussi signed an extension through 2025 with a 2026 option and became the second captain for the club.
In 2022, Austin FC started the season with an MLS record 10 goals in their first two matches.[30] They lost 2–1 in their first ever cup match in the third round of the 2022 U.S. Open Cup against San Antonio on April 20; Fagundez scored the club's first ever Open Cup goal. On July 16, they won the Division 1 Copa Tejas, the first trophy in franchise history.[31] Austin FC clinched their first ever playoff berth during a 3-0 home win against Real Salt Lake where Moussa Djitte scored the first ever hat trick in club history despite entering the game as a substitute. Austin won their first MLS playoff game at home over Real Salt Lake, prevailing 3–1 in a penalty shootout after a 2–2 score following extra time. Austin advanced to the Western Conference Final after defeating FC Dallas, but lost to LAFC 3-0 the following week.
In August 2022, the club announced they would debut a reserves team in MLS Next Pro in 2023, Austin FC II.[32]
In early January 2023 news came out the Claudio Reyna and his wife had been involved in the release of personal information about the United States men's national soccer team coach Gregg Berhalter in response to their son's decreased play-time in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[33] As a result, Claudio Reyna resigned as the Sporting Director, but stayed with Austin FC as a Technical Advisor. Josh Wolff was giving the responsibilities of running the sporting department, in addition to coaching the team.[34] In April 2023, it was noted that Claudio Reyna was no longer listed as a technical advisor on the Austin FC website.[35] In June 2023 it was announced that Rodolfo Borrell was taking over the role of Sporting Director for Austin FC.[36]
Based on their 2022 finish, Austin FC qualified for the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League, their first continental competition. They played Violette AC from Haiti and lost 3–2 on aggregate. In May 2023, Austin FC ended their 2023 U.S. Open Cup run with a 2–0 loss to the Chicago Fire at home.[37] Austin FC also competed in their first regional competition at the 2023 Leagues Cup and lost their first game 3-1 against Mazatlán. They later lost to FC Juárez 3-1, failing to advance to the round of 16. After failing to qualify for the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, Austin FC announced some changes to the front office. On October 8, 2023, Rodolfo Borrell announced that both Sean Rubio and Manuel Junco were no longer with Austin FC and Borrell would be overseeing scouting and player personnel, which he started by hiring five new scouts to be located in Europe and South America. Borrell also announced that Josh Wolff would remain on as the Austin FC coach despite the disappointing 2023 results.[38]
Stadium edit
Austin FC are the operators of a newly built stadium at McKalla Place. The stadium is near The Domain, a large shopping center complex. The stadium, built on public land and owned by the City of Austin, was privately financed by Two Oak Ventures. The lease was signed on December 19, 2018. The stadium seats 20,738 fielded its first Austin FC game on June 19, 2021.[39][40]
The club announced plans for a $45 million, privately funded training facility, the St. David's Performance Center, on November 13, 2019. The performance center, located in the Parmer Pond development in northeast Austin, will have four full-size soccer fields, one with a 1,000 capacity seating section, in addition to a 30,000 square foot indoor facility.[41]
In 2022, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority started construction on a commuter rail station for the Red Line, McKalla station. It is expected to open on February 24, 2024, as part of Project Connect.
Club culture edit
Austin FC has several supporters' groups, including Austin Anthem,[42] Los Verdes, the La Murga de Austin band, Fighting Leslies DC, the student-oriented Burnt Orange Brigade, and a group from New Braunfels, Oak Army New Braunfels.[43]
The club colors are bright green (stylized by the club as "verde," the Spanish word for the color) and black. The team's color scheme has been frequently highlighted in team promotions and at Q2 Stadium, with green lights flashing after each Austin goal.
Austin FC have sold out all 36 home games since their debut at Q2, which is currently the longest active streak in MLS.[44]
Sponsorship edit
Broadcasting edit
For the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Nexstar Media Group served as the team's broadcast partner. The majority of games appeared on KNVA, with select matches also appearing on KXAN and KBVO. Adrian Healey served as the play-by-play announcer, while Michael Lahoud joined in as a color analyst.[46] In April 2021, Austin FC reached a deal with Univision as its Spanish broadcast partner. KAKW and KTFO broadcast each regionally televised match in Spanish.[47] From 2023, every Austin FC match is available via MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.
English-language radio rights are held by Alt 97.5 FM, with Lincoln Rose on the call.[48] KLQB serves as Austin FC's flagship Spanish radio station.
Ownership and management edit
Austin FC is owned by Two Oak Ventures, formerly known as Precourt Sports Ventures, which is led by CEO Anthony Precourt.[22] Other investing partners in Two Oak Ventures include actor Matthew McConaughey, local entrepreneur Eduardo Margain, former Dell executive Marius Haas, and energy entrepreneur Bryan Sheffield.[23]
Players and staff edit
Roster edit
- As of February 14, 2024[49]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Out on loan edit
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
Technical edit
| Executive | |
|---|---|
| Majority owner & CEO | Anthony Precourt |
| Sporting director | Rodolfo Borrell[50] |
| Director of Domestic Scouting and Recruitment | Aguilar Azón[51] |
| Director of Player Personnel | John Turner[51] |
| Technical Advisor | Nolan Sheldon[52] |
| Coaching Staff | |
| Head coach | Josh Wolff |
| Assistant coach | Davy Arnaud |
| Assistant coach | Rodrigo Ríos |
| Assistant coach | Terry Boss[52] |
| Goalkeeper coach | Preston Burpo |
| Set Piece Coach | Jason Grubb[51] |
| Fitness coach | David Tenney |
| Youth coach | Javier Cano Gallego |
Source: [1]
Honors edit
Minor
- Copa Tejas (Division 1)
Records edit
Seasons edit
| Season | League | Position | Playoffs | USOC | Continental | Average attendance | Top goalscorer(s) | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pld | W | L | D | GF | GA | GD | Pts | PPG | Conf. | Overall | CCL | LC | Name(s) | Goals | ||||
| 2021 | 34 | 9 | 21 | 4 | 35 | 56 | -21 | 31 | 0.91 | 12 | 24 | DNQ | NH | - | - | 20,738 | Cecilio Dominguez Diego Fagundez | 7 |
| 2022 | 34 | 16 | 10 | 8 | 65 | 49 | +16 | 56 | 1.65 | 2 | 4 | SF | R3 | DNQ | NH | 20,738 | Sebastián Driussi | 25 |
| 2023 | 34 | 10 | 15 | 9 | 49 | 55 | –6 | 39 | 1.15 | 12 | 25 | DNQ | R16 | R16 | GS | 20,738 | Sebastián Driussi | 13 |
| Total | 102 | 35 | 46 | 21 | 149 | 160 | -11 | 126 | 1.24 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Sebastián Driussi | 43 |
^ 1. Avg. attendance include statistics from league matches only.
Development System edit
Affiliates edit
In 2022, Austin FC launched their reserve team, Austin FC II, which began play in 2023 as part of MLS Next Pro's Western Conference.[32] They currently play at Parmer Field at the St. David's Performance Center. The current coach is Brett Uttley.[53]
On May 17, 2023, David Rodríguez became the first Austin FC II player to sign a short term contract with the first team.[54] Two months later, Valentin Noël became the first Austin FC II player to appear in a first team match, coming on in the 90th minute of a Leagues Cup match.[55]
Academy edit
Austin FC announced the first professional soccer academy in Austin, TX would begin play in August 2019 as part of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy program at the U–14 level. The Austin FC Academy was the first fully funded academy in central Texas.[56] Tyson Wahl took on the academy's general manager role and helped assemble the first U–14 team.[57] Junro Narita was named as the initial coach of the U–14 team.[56] In January 2020, Austin FC announced that they had hired Juan Delgado as their Academy Technical Director.[58] In the fall of 2020, Austin FC Academy became part of MLS Next.[59]
In April 2022, Austin FC Academy had their first player called up for a U.S. Youth National Team as Ervin Torres was called up to the United States U-15 BNT.[60]
In August 2022, Austin FC Academy sent coaches and players to the Netherlands to participate in trianing session with PSV Eindhoven as part of the PSV Partnership.[61]
On January 23, 2023, Austin FC II announced the signing of Anthony De Anda, the first Austin FC Academy player to sign a professional contract.[62] Two months later, Austin FC II announced the signing of five academy players on amateur agreements, allowing them to compete with the team.[63]
See also edit
- Copa Tejas: Intrastate rivalry with FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo
References edit
- ^ Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise announced in 2018 but will not begin play until 2021.
- ^ Ryan, Madelin (August 12, 2019). "Austin one of the only big US cities without a pro sports team – for now". KVUE. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ Barbaro, Nick (January 23, 2008). "Hello, Aztex". Austin Chronicle. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ Barbaro, Nick (October 25, 2010). "Other Shoe Drops: Aztex Gone to Orlando". Austin Chronicle. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ Dinges, Gary (September 26, 2011). . Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ "USL's Austin Aztex set to go dark in 2016, return in 2017 following stadium issues". www.MLSSoccer.com. Major League Soccer. October 2, 2015. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
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- ^ Wahl, Grant (October 16, 2017). "Columbus Crew Angling Toward Relocation to Austin in 2019". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
- ^ Lyttle, Kevin. "Austin City Council votes 'yes' to MLS at McKalla Place". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
- ^ "Precourt Sports Ventures reveals badge for potential Austin MLS club". MLSSoccer.com. MLS Digital. August 22, 2018. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
- ^ Bils, Chris (August 23, 2018). "City's MLS franchise to be dubbed Austin FC". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
- ^ West, Phil (August 23, 2018). . ProSoccerUSA. Archived from the original on June 17, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
- ^ Barbaro, Nick (August 22, 2018). "MLS2ATX reveals team name, logo, colors, and more". Austin Chronicle. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
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- ^ Bils, Chris; Bohls, Kirk (January 15, 2019). "Austin FC officially announced as 27th MLS club with 'local roots'". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
- ^ a b "Two Oak Ventures to own and operate Austin FC and attract local investors". MLSsoccer.com. July 17, 2019. Retrieved August 23, 2019.
- ^ a b West, Phil (August 23, 2019). "Matthew McConaughey among four locals joining Austin FC ownership group". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved August 23, 2019.
- ^ "Claudio Reyna Departs New York City FC to Join Austin FC; Technical Director David Lee Promoted to Sporting Director | New York City FC".
- ^ "Alex Ring named Austin FC captain; coach Josh Wolff 'ready' for LAFC challenge".
- ^ "MATCH RECAP: Austin FC vs. Colorado Rapids".
- ^ LoRé, Michael. "Austin Finally Welcomes Its First Professional Sports Team: Austin FC". Forbes. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
- ^ Timbers Staff. "Match Recap Austin FC 4, Portland 1".
- ^ Carlisle, Jeff (July 29, 2021). "Match Report: Austin FC signs Argentine midfielder Sebastian Driussi".
- ^ "Austin FC scores MLS-record 10 goals in first 2 games". www.fox7austin.com. Fox 7 Austin. March 7, 2022. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
- ^ Koubek, Cameron (July 16, 2022). "Match Report: FC Dallas vs. Austin FC July 16, 2022". Retrieved July 17, 2022.
- ^ a b "Austin FC To Add MLS NEXT Pro Team in 2023". AustinFC.com. Austin FC. August 4, 2022. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
- ^ Baxter, Kevin (January 10, 2023). "Soccer newsletter: Claudio Reyna and his wife turn U.S. team into a soap opera". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, CA. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ Gordon, Colby (January 26, 2023). "Austin FC's Claudio Reyna resigns as sporting director but will remain with club". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ Gates, Billy (April 17, 2023). "Claudio Reyna no longer listed on Austin FC's website as technical advisor". KXAN-TV. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ "Austin FC center back Leo Väisänen out with knee injury". MLSSoccer.com. Major League Soccer. May 26, 2023. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
- ^ Gates, Billy (May 24, 2023). "Austin FC can't get anything going in 2-0 U.S. Open Cup loss to Chicago". KXAN-TV. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ "Austin FC Announces Scouting and Player Personnel Updates". www.AustinFC.com. Austin FC. October 8, 2023. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ "10414 McKalla Place". AustinTexas.gov. Retrieved December 22, 2018.
- ^ Bils, Chris. . Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
- ^ Webb, Tom (November 13, 2019). "Austin FC announces plans for St. David's Performance Center; $45-million training facility to be located at mixed-use Parmer Innovation Center in Austin, TX" (PDF). www.Austinfc.cdn.prismic.io. Austin FC. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
- ^ Bils, Chris (January 9, 2019). "Austin FC reveals details for 'Legendary Announcement' next week, including sweepstakes". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
- ^ Bils, Chris (June 20, 2020). "Soccer notebook: For supporters, the price for Austin FC tickets is alright, alright, alright". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved June 20, 2020.
- ^ Koubek, Cameron (November 17, 2022). "Austin FC, Q2 Stadium Honored with Several Accolades in MLSPA Player Voices Poll". Retrieved January 26, 2023.
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- ^ "Austin FC and the CW Austin, KXAN-TV, and KBVO-TV Announce English Language Channel Assignments".
- ^ "Austin FC and Univision Announce Multi-Platform Spanish Broadcast Partnership".
- ^ "Austin FC Announces Lincoln Rose as English Language Commentator".
- ^ "Austin FC Roster". austinfc.com. Austin FC. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
- ^ "Rodolfo Borrell Joins Austin FC As Sporting Director". www.AustinFC.com. Austin FC. June 30, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Austin FC Announces Soccer Operations, Technical Staff Updates Ahead of 2024 Season". AustinFC.com. Austin FC. February 6, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
- ^ a b "Austin FC Announces Updates to Technical Staff Ahead of 2023 Season". www.AustinFC.com. Austin FC. January 2, 2023. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
- ^ "Brett Uttley Announced as First Head Coach of Austin FC II". www.AustinFC.com. Austin FC. December 13, 2022. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
- ^ "Austin FC Signs David Rodríguez to Short-Term Agreement". www.AustinFC.com. Austin FC. May 17, 2023. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
- ^ Veliz, Julian (July 25, 2023). "Valentin Noël 'Proud' To Become First Austin FC II Player to Appear for Austin FC". www.AustinFC.com. Austin FC. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
- ^ a b Bils, Chirs (March 7, 2019). "Austin FC Academy to launch in 2019". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
- ^ West, Phil (August 2, 2019). "For Tyson Wahl and Austin FC's fledgling academy, the future starts now". www.MLSsoccer.com. Major League Soccer. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
- ^ Bils, Chris (January 28, 2020). "Austin FC hires Delgado to oversee youth development". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
- ^ "Total of 94 clubs join forces as part of MLS's elite player development platform". www.MLSSoccer.com. Major League Soccer. May 13, 2023. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
- ^ "Austin FC Academy Player Ervin Torres Called Up To United States U-15 Men's Youth National Team". www.AustinFC.com. Austin FC Academy. April 11, 2022. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
- ^ "PSV Partnership". www.AustinFC.com. Austin FC. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
- ^ "Anthony De Anda Becomes First Austin FC Academy Player to Sign For Austin FC II". www.AustinFC.com. Austin FC II. January 23, 2023. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
- ^ "Five Austin FC Academy Players Sign Amateur Agreements with Austin FC II". www.AustinFC.com. Austin FC II. March 24, 2023. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
External links edit
- Media related to Austin FC at Wikimedia Commons
- Official website